The Baggage Handler: Book Review

Welcome to The Baggage Handler special blog tour—I’m thrilled you’ve joined us!

First, a word about author David Rawlings.

I initially met David in 2016 when he and I were American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis finalists. It was a brief encounter as we said hello in the elevator. We noticed one another’s ACFW badges and finalist ribbons and we extended congrats and well-wishes.

Some time later, as David’s début novel The Baggage Handler generated buzz, I, too, grew curious. The premise intrigued me. The idea of a baggage mix-up, how it affected the passengers and the intrigue that followed, piqued my interest. I knew I had to read this book. (Click-to-Tweet)

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Christian Book | iTunes

Title: The Baggage Handler

Author: David Rawlings

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Magical Reaslism/Christian Allegory Fiction

Release Date: March 5, 2019

About the book:

In a similar vein to The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews or Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory, The Baggage Handler is a contemporary story that explores one question: What baggage are you carrying?

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever.

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.

A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister’s house before her niece’s wedding.

And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.

In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

About the author: 

David Rawlings is an Australian author, and a sports-mad father of three who loves humor and a clever turn of phrase. Over a 25-year career he has put words on the page to put food on the table, developing from sports journalism and copywriting to corporate communication. Now in fiction, he entices readers to look deeper into life with stories that combine the everyday with a sense of the speculative, addressing the fundamental questions we all face.

Connect with the author: website | facebook | instagram

My review:

Let me preface this by stating I rarely review books on this blog. There are review sites dedicated to this sole purpose, and as an author, I usually chat about other things here. That may tell you how excited I am to share my thoughts about The Baggage Handler. (Click-to-Tweet) 

Let’s begin.

While the book description gives some insight into what TBH is about, it doesn’t offer spoilers.

Words like “baggage,” “baggage handler,” and “mysterious facility” pique readers’ interest, and immediately, we are drawn to know more.

TBH is a short, quick read and anything but predictable. I loved the author’s writing style and the ease in which the dialogue flowed.

Shared from the three main characters’ points-of-view, the tension and inner turmoil are palpable as each character’s story unfolds.

I enjoyed getting to know David, Gillian, and Michael, and I identified with some of their life struggles. Despite their faults and foibles, I cheered for them. I wanted them to locate their baggage—and I admit—I wanted to know what was in it.

That in itself—assessing others’ baggage and comparing it with our own. There’s something about that. When we focus on others’ “stuff,” it diverts attention from ours. 

I liked that diversion.

I liked the analogies, life references, and insights gleaned.

Then, whether intentional or not, I liked the subtle invitation to examine my baggage and the weight of it.

As I read, I committed to dealing with things I’d dragged around far too long.

Toward the end of the book, I hoped all the characters would release their baggage and find resolution to the weight they carried. That’s how much I cared about David, Gillian, and Michael.

I came to know them as friends. I wanted them to succeed and move forward.

While I won’t reveal spoilers, there are some surprises. I know I’ll never look at a suitcase the same way again.

The Baggage Handler is thought-provocative and surreal. It’s one of those stories that begs questions and implores the reader to think long after the last page is read.

It’s a book you’ll want to invite others to read because that’s the sheer power of story. Sometimes, a story can nudge our hearts in a way nothing and no one else can. Through story, we engage with worlds that impart hope and change lives. Through story, we supernaturally connect to a higher realm that offers balance against the weight of an imperfect world.

My rating: 5/5 stars

Highly recommend!

Note: I received a copy of The Baggage Handler as per the publisher, however, I am in no way connected with the author’s launch team, nor have I received monetary compensation for my honest review. All impressions are my own.

***

TOUR GIVEAWAY

We’re collecting all the Baggage Passport Stamps to get rid of! Collect them all and enter the giveaway below. Each stop will have a unique stamp. Just enter the word(s) you’ll find on each stamp for more chances to win!

(1) winner will win:

• a hardcover copy of The Baggage Handler,
• a book tote from the publisher, Thomas Nelson
• and a $15 Amazon Gift Card!

Be sure to check out each stop on this tour for more chances to win. Giveaway begins at midnight April 1, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 8, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

The stamp you’re collecting from this stop is:

*ENTER RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE*

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

 

***

SHARING IS CARING

What baggage are YOU carrying? Don’t miss my review of author David Rawling’s THE BAGGAGE HANDLER!

(Click-to-Tweet)

 

 

Have you ever had a baggage mix-up?

Why do you think people are reluctant to let go of their “baggage”?

 

Original Image Credits: Provided by Just Read Publicity Tours

***

Thank you for joining us at one of the last tour stops for The Baggage Handler. I’m delighted to share this fabulous story with you!

Remember, please visit Just Read Publicity Tours for a complete list of all blog tour stops. If you comment on today’s blog post and your comment doesn’t immediately appear, no worries! Comments may be held in moderation for a short time. I’ll check back often!

Much Love and Many Blessings,